It's a strange thing that when
Phish members go solo they make simpler records that are more streamlined than any of their band's albums. These are records that are often better as albums than
Phish's studio efforts, which often tended to meander and never quite gelled. Such is the case with
Page McConnell, the
Phish keyboardist whose eponymous 2007 solo debut is uncannily reminiscent of
Trey Anastasio's eponymous 2002 solo debut even if it's different in many respects. What is similar between both albums is that they share a soft, hazy quality that brings to mind the laid-back vibe of Californian singer/songwriters of the '70s, but
McConnell's album is more unified than
Anastasio's. It also has more modern touches, like a turntable faintly scratching in the background on "Heavy Rotation" or the skittish drum-n-bass-inspired rhythm track of the closer, "Everyone But Me." Despite these flourishes,
Page McConnell nevertheless sounds like a thowback to the late '70s, both in its warm, burnished production (courtesy of producer Bryce Goggin and engineer Jared Slomoff) but also in its mellow, mildly jazzy funkiness and how the songs easily open up for solos from
McConnell and his band, anchored by veteran drummer Jim Keltner. This has such a relaxed vibe that even when
McConnell sings about the murky menace of modern times, it sounds friendly; never have melting ice caps and stolen elections sounded less threatening than they do on "Maid Marian," delivered in
Page's plain, conversational voice. Far from being a detriment, that relaxed vibe is what makes
Page McConnell a satisfying listen. There's nothing rushed about this album, yet it doesn't wander; it all flows from the same unhurried place, and the keyboardist and his colleagues, who include guitarist Adam Zimmon plus all former
Phish mates, find interesting ways to spin his soft, soul- and jazz-inflected tunes. Such low-key exploration, combined with some good modest tunes, makes for an endearing solo debut that finds
McConnell forging a new, interesting path away from
Phish. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine